
Northamptonshire's coaching and volunteering workforce lacks diversity and is not reflective of the least active communities we need to engage. There are fewer women, a smaller proportion of people from Diverse Ethnic Communities, and fewer individuals with a limiting disability or from lower socio-economics groups involved in the workforce.
Developing a more diverse workforce is a key priority for the county, as identified in the Northamptonshire Workforce Plan: Building a Workforce for a More Active Northamptonshire 2019 - 21
Through Sport England Investment, Northamptonshire Sport has launched a new Diversity Workforce Fund to support organisations in Northamptonshire develop a more diverse coaching and volunteer workforce.
Who can apply?
Any organisation in Northamptonshire who is planning to recruit or upskill a diverse coaching or volunteer workforce from under-represented groups.
Under-represented groups includes, women and individuals from the following groups; diverse ethnic communities, lower socio-economic, disabled/limiting disability, aged 65 years plus and/or living with a mental health condition.
We welcome applications from organisations that can demonstrate that they will impact on participation levels among adult beginners and the least-active communities including those with limiting disabilities and from lower socio-economic groups.
Example organisations include; NGB's, sports clubs, district and borough council's, trusts, community organisations, charities and other third sector and not-for-profit organisations.
Who cannot apply?
- Individuals
- Private sector or commercial organisations
- Organisations outside Northamptonshire
Diversity Fund outcomes
- A more diverse and inclusive workforce is created and developed through a targeted approach and partnership working.
- Knowledge, skills, policies and practices are improved in order to address inequalities, barriers or challenges for under-represented groups.
What will the fund support?
The fund will part-fund a project that includes:
- Education and training to up-skill volunteers and coaches as sport & physical activity coaches, activators & leaders (including tutor costs, resources, venue hire etc)
- Innovative recruitment strategies
- Targeted marketing and promotion
- Mentoring support and ongoing development
- A new initiative working with a range of partners to reach the target audience and engage them in volunteering or coaching
How much can an organisation apply for?
One-off grants of up to £500 per organisation are available through the fund per financial year. Organisations do not have to provide partnership funding, but they will need to demonstrate 'In-Kind' contribution towards the project and value for money.
Your application
- An independent panel will meet within 2 weeks of the closing date of each round.
- Each application will be scored based on the quality of application and the aims and objective's of the Diversity Workforce Funding .
- Applicants will receive email correspondence notifying them of the panel decision.
- If successful, further information about how to claim and provide monitoring will be sent out in due course.
Workforce Diversity Form - example (PDF, 12 Kb)
Take a look at our example form to help you as a guide
Apply here
Applications for the Workforce Diversity Fund are currently closed
If you are interested in coaching or leading younger people aged 14-19 , take a look at our Satellite Club's pages to find out about additional project support on offer.
For further information on the Workforce Diversity Fund in Northamptonshire, contact:
Alex Mitchell
Sports Development Officer - School Sport
Northamptonshire Sport
- Mobile
- 07921 092801
- alex.mitchell@northamptonshiresport.org
- @NorthamptonSSP